wildyard

For many years I have loved and collected brooches. Because of my fibro I rarely go anywhere or wear anything that would look right with a brooch attached, but then my sweats might cut a swath all brooched up. lol
Anyway, I was trying to think of a way to display them that I could hang so they are out to be seen rather than sitting in a jewelry box. My DH suggested that I make a wall hanging size quilt and pin the brooches to it.
What I'm asking for is suggestions for quilt patterns that might be good for this type of display quilt. Help me out here folks, I know you have just the right ideas for me!
Also, any suggestions as to what fabrics would be good to use? Batiks, solids, tone on tone? I don't want to use a lot of print and lose the brooches, but I don't want it to be boring either. I want to piece it, not just have a solid fabric.

Tartan

Go to Pinterest and look at the designs made with vintage jewelry. There are pictures of Christmas trees, butterflies, alphabet letters etc. Most are done on black velvet or similar and framed .

zozee

What about a blouse applique, one per block. I’m thinking coirdinate your blouse fabric and background with each brooch, and put sashing between the blocks. Each brooch coukd be pinned or permanently sewn onto the neckline of each blouse .

wesing

How about using a patterned fabric for your background, then appliqué squares, circles, and/or ovals in a dark solid color where you would pin your brooches? The jewelry would show up, and the background could match your room/color scheme.

Irishrose2

We've sold several at our church bazaar made in a pine tree shape on black velvet. I think a more rounded tree would work, as would large animal shapes like an elephant.

hobbykat1955

Just a plain old fashion "CRAZY QUILT" with satin, velvet etc...

feline fanatic

Completely agree with this. Many of the old (and new) crazy quilts are embellished with jewelry, beads, etc. But I don't know if you do any handwork because they are usually also embellished with fancy hand embroidery stitches.

Another idea along those same lines are the wool Penny quilts. But these also involve doing some fun hand embroidery. Look at stuff by Sue Spargo or at some of the posts that Charismah did recently like this one: Wool fruit Tree You could do something like that and put the brooches in the wool pennies.

QuiltE

What a good idea from your husband, so that you can enjoy your jewelry and quilting together.

You might consider any of the quilt patterns where there is a focus block or fussy cut area.
Use a plainer fabric, and then pin your brooch in place, as the focus.
As for the actual pattern ... consider what your most favourite is, and see if it would work!

One thing to consider will be the weight the brooches will create, and how to "strengthen" your quilt, so the weight does not pull and distort. Of course, that all depends on how big and weighty they may be. Yours may be little ones that would not cause the problem.

RedGarnet222

Honestly? I think that a lamp shade decorated with your pins would be fabulous in your bedroom and look like a designer piece.

tranum

Not what you are asking for....but I saw a brides bouquet made with old broaches. Stunning (but heavy !)